General Secretary Rev. Dr. Michael Blair signs letter on behalf of the United Church
A letter from the United for Peace Canadian Interfaith Coalition to the Government of Canada, signed by at least 17 human rights, civil society, and interfaith organizations, expresses dismay regarding the Government of Canada’s Summer 2026 Progress Report on the National Commitments to Combat Antisemitism, which states that antisemitism “includes Anti-Zionism, as outlined in the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.”
Antisemitism is hatred, prejudice, discrimination, or violence against Jews because they are Jewish. Anti-Zionism, by contrast, is opposition to Zionism as a political or ideological movement. Application of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition often results in conflating antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
“We strongly urge the Government to reconsider this formulation,” the letter states. “The two should not be treated as synonymous.”
The United Church is actively engaged in learning about and countering antisemitism and anti-Jewish interpretations of scriptures and theologies, locally and nationally. The 45th General Council endorsed the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (JDA) in 2025.
“The church is clear that there is a difference between critiquing the state of Israel, and antisemitism, which targets Jewish people,” said Rev. Dr. Michael Blair, General Secretary, who signed the letter on behalf of The United Church of Canada. “This is a reflection of the church’s broader dedication to social justice and recognition of the historical role Christian theology has played in perpetuating antisemitic attitudes.”
The letter in response to the progress report calls upon the government to:
- Revoke its characterization of anti-Zionism as antisemitism
- Recognize the diversity of Jewish perspectives, including Jewish opposition to Zionism
- Protect freedom of expression and academic freedom, including legitimate criticism of Israel and Zionism
- Combat both antisemitism and anti-Palestinian racism without conflating hatred of Jews with political opposition to Zionism
The letter is available to read and share in the Downloads section below.